3 month pics. Weekly look back on imp milestones. Keeping it real.

Hello mommies, I have been reading reviews at realself for 3 years now :-). I'm 38 yrs old, working mom, 2 wonderful kids, 2 dogs, supportive hubby, been with him more than half my life now :-). older kid is almost 6, younger one is 1. My story is similar to a lot of you. Beautiful pregancies but the tummy and breasts have totally gone for a toss. Both times I went from 120 to 191 (even though second time i was a lot more smarter in my diet choices). Both kids I had through IUI, so I did not want to take any chances with exercise etc. I'm down to 135 (this morning), and I have another 15 pounds to go. Not sure if some of you might judge me for taking hydroxycut, but I have started to take this since last month since I needed a "boost" (I have low thyroid function and am on levothryroxin). I intend to take it for 4 weeks to break this plateau I have.

I'm writing this review since I'm serious about doing my mommy makeover surgery OR tummy tuck only for sure by this year. I need your help in deciding which one, and also keeping me motivated to truly lose my last 15 pounds by May 10 or earlier (a goal I set up for myself).

I know at 120 pounds, my breasts will be empty sacs :-) HAHAHA...it was like that the last time I got to 120 before I decided to get pg with my second. My tummy at 120 seemed to be flat with LOTS of skin...here are my questions -

1.Unlike some of you I have skin and stretch marks on top of my belly button, so not sure with a TT, how pronounced they will look.

2. Did you get a say in what type of TT scar you wanted, or did your doc say it "depends". Reason I ask is that I do not like the "W" and "Straight line" kinds since they seems to pop up in the middle right about the mons. I would like one to be ovelapping with my C scar ..(After 35 hrs in the hospital, I ended up having a C the first time)

3. I had a near-death experience with post partum hemarrage (uterus did not shrink) and I had 6 ER visits. 3 blood transfusions etc...scary experience. My gynec said it was a freak thing to happen and I can still go with a makeover surgery. My c-section scars recovered well both times. Not sure what you think...

4. Does the fact that breast implants dont last forever give you pause and change your mind?

5. Does the fact that there are more things that can go wrong with recovering on 2 surgeries at same point change your mind?

6. Did you go with a doctor that had the "cosmetassure" - some type of insurance that covers complications post surgery for a limited amount of time - like 30 days...did that help?

7. Did you consider this new "gummy bear" silicone implant?

8. Do you know if TT scar over a period of 2-3 years moves up significantly? Is TT for life if one maintains consistent weight and body tone (note - i'm approaching 40 :-)

9. I talked to Dr.Joel Beck 3 or so years ago. Nice man. Not pushy. Conservative in breast size. Asked me come back after I was done with my pregnancies. In couple of months, I want to line up few consultations. Any advice on docs close to San Jose CA would be great.

More questions later...but this review is a start in me getting serious about making up my mind and getting my weightloss down by May.

Some reviews that were "marked" not worth it for BI, TT really scare me...but I also see such positive reviews..not sure long term how some of you have been...Any insight from you to my questions will really help me! Bye for now!

Hmm... Not sure what happened to my pics... Will have to delete and upload them..

More questions :-)
- Did you consider the "drain-less" method - progressive tension sutures? Are they truly better than having drains (pain and risk of seromas/hemotamas being less?)

- Did you use a recovery center for the first few days? If yes, how many days. My biggest worry is being in a chair immobile with such young ones that I have. They like to jump on me ;-) and not sure if I want to expose them to mom being "unwell"? how many days is best in a recovery center? 4 or 5 or more? also how much does it cost....

- I have a semi-desk job. 50% at desk. 50% walking around. I heard that it does take 6 weeks to recover..I cannot take 6 weeks off without letting ppl at work know why...which I do not want to do...whats the minimum required...I can take 3 weeks off...will that be enough? I'm thinking of doing this close to end of November (that way with the thanksgiving weekend, I can get close to 3-1/2 weeks off...and then that puts me around Christmas, so there will be slowdown at work...)...But it gets weird to have me stay at home not joining friends for new year party and making excuses...I wont be telling anyone..Anyways, looks like I'm rambling but let me know what you think of my plan...

- Am I crazy to think about this / being vain, given I had a near death experience with post partum hemorrage (first few days in hospital great and then on day 7, uterus gave away...tons of blood...)..Needed interventional radiology to block uterine artery so stop blood flow. Fine now...Will meet my gynec in May after I'm down to 120. dont want to meet before then..no point if I can't lose the damn weight...:-)!

I'm so torn thinking through this :-)...

Reply back ladies :-)! I need support...hahah...anyways, getting back to work now...